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OXON HILL, Md. -- At least 200,000 people in one Maryland county just outside Washington could
be without water for several days so a pipe can be repaired, with temperatures expected to reach
the mid-90s over the next few days.

Water reserves could run out as early as today. Mandatory water restrictions began late
yesterday in several communities in Prince George's County just outside Washington, including Joint
Base Andrews, to help preserve firefighting capabilities and provide water during part of the first
day.

The restrictions include limits on the use of dishwashers, washing machines and bathing.

After the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission received an alert from a warning system for
a 4 1/2-foot water main, the utility and county officials urged residents to stock up on water
before the repairs began. Once water in the pipeline runs out, officials expect no water service in
the area for three to five days.

That will leave residents with empty taps and force restaurants and hotels to close their
doors, unable to do basic things like provide guests with showers and wash dishes. Joint Base
Andrews is shutting down all but the most critical operations, and the Gaylord National Resort
& Convention Center is closing Wednesday.

County officials worked to make the most of the advanced warning before the massive outage,
said county spokesman Scott Peterson. Officials are providing water at three schools in affected
areas and opening reception centers where people can shower, use the bathroom and get drinking
water, he said. Fire officials were placing tankers in the affected area.

"One blessing is that usually there is a break, and you are dealing with the aftermath. This
is a different situation," Peterson said. "Because of new technology we were able to get out with
24-hour notice, and people were able to prepare for this. As frustrating as the situation is, most
of the time you don't even get 24 hours."